As you are aware, Sri Lanka’s Animal Welfare Bill which received Cabinet
approval on 13 January 2016 is yet to be passed by Parliament, giving it the
force of law.

Today, our animals - stray, captive, domestic or wild, face many
difficulties at the hands of humans. They are beaten, abused, exploited, stoned,
shot, trapped, killed, neglected and exposed to many other forms of cruelty
daily.

We are a compassionate nation and our government claims to be a
compassionate government. But compassion needs to be demonstrated through action
rather than just words.

There is no more time to lose. The time to act is now.

I humbly request that you do what is needed to speed up the process so that
the long outstanding Animal Welfare Bill is finally enacted in Sri Lanka so that
it becomes law.

Any nation and especially one with our heritage must show commitment to
animal welfare and there is no better way of demonstrating that , than by
ensuring that this Bill is enforced without further delay.

I along with many of Sri Lanka’s citizens would like to create an
environment where animal lives are protected by law so that they too have the
chance to live their lives in peace in our beautiful country.